Is It Impossible to Scale Detail?
In this episode, I’m bringing in Ken to help me answer this loaded question from a viewer: As your company grows with more employees and equipment, how big is too big? Is it impossible to scale detail? This is a great question, and Ken and I are excited to share our perspective on how NS Builders has successfully met this unique challenge.
GETTING EVERYONE ON BOARD
Having a phenomenal year in business and watching your company grow and build a fine reputation is fantastic. But as the workload increases, the need for employees grows as well. And this presents a challenge.
Everyone needs to be on board with your company mission statement, commitment to quality craftsmanship, adherence to safety protocols, etc. Easier said than done. Just because a new hire has a great personality and some skills, if they can’t live up to your expectations and deliver the level of work you’re known for, then they simply may not be a good fit for the company. Scaling the business and keeping your hard-earned reputation intact means everyone you hire must meaningfully contribute to the end product.
NS Builders firmly adheres to the “rip it out mentality,” which basically says it all: If the work doesn’t measure up to our super high expectations, then instead of trying to hide it and hope the homeowner doesn’t notice, we rip it out. Start over. Do it right. Even if it costs us financially.
So as your business grows and you add new employees, you’ll need to consider how the rip it out mentality is compounded. Because now you may be ripping out 20 people’s worth of work. That can represent a real financial drain. So, as you think about how many and who to hire, be judicious. Don’t make hires that are going to cost you in the end.
Nick Schiffer Podcast: Is It Impossible to Scale Detail?
HOW TO AVOID THE PITFALLS
Reworks and ripping it out this past year proved expensive—well over $100,000. My feelings about avoiding that from happening again are right up there with my intense avoidance of Ebola. So Ken and I have had some long conversations about how to do just that.
Scrutinize your potential new hires. Take the time to make sure the person is the right fit. Can they demonstrate their skill set rather than just talking about it? How truthful are they on the interview? What is your gut saying? Having a probation period is a good idea—it benefits both of you. After a couple of weeks, sit down and honestly talk about how things are going. And if they should stay on.
Plan better. Communication with the team has to start early on the project, and the details have to be crystal clear. Don’t just consider your perspective on how to handle a project; get the team’s take on it. Review the plan of action before starting fabrication. Don’t assume someone can read your mind and know exactly how or when you wanted it done.
Set the bar high. When you lead the team to always look beyond “standard” and reach for “excellent” craftsmanship, they will strive to meet or even exceed those expectations.
Give your team the tools they need to succeed—I’m not speaking metaphorically here; I mean literal tools. The right tool for the job can make a huge difference in the quality of the work. So, if you need a new tool or product upgrade, get it. As your business scales, you’ll need to keep up with the equipment, tools, and vehicles required to get the jobs done.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is possible to scale detail and continue building a great name for yourself in the construction world. But it won’t happen by accident. Your company is like a growing toddler and you’ll need to become a very hands-on parent. Guide your business growth by scaling intentionally and reaching for the next milestone. But never lose sight of crafting detailed work you can be proud of.
It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen.
—Nick Schiffer